Crown & Champa Resorts appoints Nalinee Narayanan as Group Director of Human Resources

Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has appointed Nalinee Narayanan as the Group Director of Human Resources, bringing with her over two decades of extensive HR leadership experience spanning luxury hospitality brands across Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, and the Middle East.

Nalinee’s journey is one of passion, purpose, and proven performance. Her story began in operational roles, including early leadership positions in F&B and Retail, before pivoting into the heart of human resource management in hospitality. With a strong academic foundation, a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Nalinee combined theory with practical insight to become one of the most respected HR leaders in the region.

Her career in hospitality HR took flight at Rebak Island Resort, A Taj Hotel, where she managed a private island workforce and continued to ascend through strategic HR roles across prestigious properties, including G Hotel Penang, Shangri-La Hotels in Maldives, Mauritius, and Malaysia, and most recently, as Director of Human Resources at One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia.

Throughout her career, she has been known for her deep expertise in Compensation & Benefits, Strategic Leadership, Succession Planning, Union Management, and Talent Acquisition. She is not only a strategist but also a trusted advisor, a compassionate leader, and a champion of inclusive and sustainable HR practices. Her ability to bridge organizational goals with employee wellbeing has earned her a reputation as a transformative leader.

Reflecting on her journey, Nalinee shares: “The best piece of learning that I received is to never let others’ perception of your contributions dictate what you believe about your value as an HR professional. I truly believe in positive synergy, that a positive mindset gives us an outlook and belief that we can do something great to be successful.”

Nalinee’s international exposure, hands-on leadership, and exceptional communication skills make her a natural fit to lead HR at a group level. She is driven by values, guided by integrity, and known for her unwavering commitment to organizational growth through people empowerment.

As Group Director of Human Resources at Crown & Champa Resorts, Nalinee will lead the group’s people strategy across all properties and markets, ensuring a unified HR vision that is dynamic, future-ready, and firmly rooted in the belief that people are an organization’s greatest asset.

Crown & Champa Resorts is a distinguished collection of luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives, renowned for its commitment to excellence, unparalleled service, and breathtaking natural beauty. With a diverse portfolio of exquisite 10 resorts ranging between 4 stars and 6 stars plus, Crown and Champa Resorts offers guests an unforgettable island getaway experience infused with warmth, hospitality, and unparalleled luxury.